Chin

The chin (a.k.a. the mental protuberance) lies in the midline of the mandible anteriorly. The jaw line (or the lower border of the body of mandible) can be seen extending laterally from the chin, on either side.

Several important subcutaneous fat pads exist in the chin region, such as the pre-mental fat pad which lies just above the mental protuberance of the chin. Additional subcutaneous jowl fat pads can be seen lateral to the chin, just above the jaw line. Liposuction of pre-mental and jowl fat pads are common procedures carried out to improve jaw definition and enhance facial aesthetics.

A muscle called the ‘mentalis’, originates from the mandible–beneath the lower incisors–and inserts into the skin over the chin region. It contributes to the puckering of skin over the chin. An additional muscle called ‘platysma’ originates from the lower jaw line, lateral to the chin. It acts as a protective muscular layer over vital neck structures.